Censorship

I had to take a post off of the Rush discussion, because it was racist, anti-semitic and anti-gay. All observations made by this poster went through a lens of venom. It did not improve her persuasiveness.

I am willing to engage, but I cannot/will not respond to unmitigated hate. I cannot fix the world so it fits this person's view of perfect.

My Rush post was meant to highlight how easily a powerful broadcaster can malign a citizen. A bully pulpit can be a force for good....or evil.

I believe we are more alike than different, and words can lead us to common ground. Hate and denigration cannot. To that end, I deleted these cruel words.

It would seem that Rush has had second thoughts about his hateful depiction of a young woman who was seeking to add a voice to the dialogue. He has apologized for making a joke of her earnest efforts. Maybe he is sincere. Or his sponsors have pressured him. Or he realized that since he broadcasts in many states where the legal doctrine of slander per se makes attributions of prostitution actionable, he could be subject to a trial and significant damages. Whatever it is, I think we all make better observers and commenters when we pause to focus and frame our views. Maybe this is a teaching/learning moment.